Baby makes VU soccer coach miss shutout

Vanderbilt women’s soccer coach Ronnie Woodard missed her team’s 4-0 victory over Murray State on Sunday due to the birth of her son, Thomas Woodard IV, a day earlier.

Woodard coached the Commodores’ to a season-opening 2-0 victory over Mercer on Friday, which was her due date. She went into labor several hours later and delivered early Saturday afternoon. Thomas Woodard weighed seven pounds, 12.5 ounces and was 21 inches at the time of birth.

Assistant coaches Cristin Czubik and Eric Vaughter coached the team in Woodard’s absence.

“Ronnie did a great job of preparing us for this day,” Czubik said. “The soccer office has been greatly anticipating her having the baby and we are excited to get the win at the same time and keep things going.”

Vanderbilt improved to 3-0 on the season with victories on either side of the birth. It defeated Mercer 2-0 on Friday.

Woodard said last she plans to be back on the sideline for VU’s next match, Friday against Belmont.